I started climbing after my brother’s birthday party in 1998 at a local climbing gym in the DC Area, where I grew up. I joined the local junior team program, and then, about a year later, when I was 7, I walked in to the gym and they were hosting a Junior Regional Championship. That was how I found out that it was a sport practiced at a competitive level. I registered to compete that day, and it was my first ever competition. I entered the 11 and under category and won my division.

Ik word geïnspireerd om mijn grenzen te verleggen en te ontdekken waartoe ik in staat ben. Ik word gedreven door deze nieuwsgierigheid om op reis te gaan en ik geniet er enorm van om afgelegen uithoeken van de wereld te leren kennen via de meeslepende ervaring die klimmen biedt. Ik wil mezelf echt fysiek en mentaal uitdagen, omdat dat gevoel wanneer ik het doel bereik waarvoor ik train zo'n magische gewaarwording is van pure persoonlijke voldoening.

Nutrition and fitness are pillars to my overall well being. I function best when I am the most healthy, and I feel the best - mentally and physically, when I focus on my holistic wellness.

Climbing has taught me that unless I try, I will never know. In putting yourself on the line, challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone, that is where growth happens.

Listen to your heart and commit yourself to what you feel most passionately about. There’s no one size fits all. Focus on being the best version of yourself, not in sizing up to others. We are all on different paths and want different things out of life; so be kind, be focused, and be you.

Just give it a try. Push yourself and be kind to yourself through the struggle. Sustainable success only happens when you are enjoying what you’re doing.